Non-Fashion But Still Awesome Blogs

Friday, July 30, 2010

If you've known me for awhile, you probably remember how I used to have thick bangs, then more side swept bangs, then spent a felt like forever amount of time growing out my bangs! I very much adore the look, but I just don't want to commit to to them, particularly when they rarely end up behaving the way I imagine they should!

Luckily for me, there are clip-on bangs! I had previously seen them for a surprisingly expensive $50 or more, but Ken Paves has some in his hairdo collection that are only $24! So I decided I would try them out. For those who can't remember, this is what I usually look like:But, with the magic of hairdo, I got to immediately look like this:It's a miracle!! The bangs have little clips to hold them in place, and even have long sides to help blend them seamlessly into your hair.You can even pull your hair back without it be too obvious:There are some negatives though. The top isn't very easily to blend into your hair. If you're short like me, some people may see this:There are nine different color but if you have highlights like me, it's even more difficult to blend. I'm wearing Midnight Brown in case you were curious! The bangs are also a touch shiny, I ended up using some brown Shampowder to dull it down a bit.

But really most people would never notice these small details, so if you want to switch up your look for fun I HIGHLY recommend! These are synthetic, he does have human hair bangs as well, but they're currently a pricey $192 (on sale!). I need to find a wigmaker to turn some of my old hair into custom bangs, that would be awesome!

I just die over this skirt, I really do! I'm always a fan of wide waist and the full mini skirt shapes. Add in some pink sequins that could totally be worn during the day if you were daring and you've got my perfect skirt! Alas, I'm not allowed to shop and certainly not items that are €299 or about $390 US Dollars! If you are, buy at Jades 24.

I bought some really great lace up ankle boots (work boots, field boots, combat boots) that I just adore and recently styled with some socks and a mini. But, while I was super pleased with the look, I want to be aware of other ways to rock my new boots, particularly any office appropriate stylings! So I went on a search to see how other people wear them:

Hmm, besides super short bottoms, it looks like the majority of looks involve skinny pants tucked in. I suppose I could pull that off for work on Casual Friday, what do you guys think? Nicki Hilton (in the top left corner) would be what I aspire to - edgy but still very clean. I do like the long dress paired with the boots as well, but I actually don't own anything like that... it's UNIQLO and is it just me or do that not have any dresses available on their site?? I wanna!!!!

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Honestly, it's pretty much way too hot out to really think about fall fashion! But these tweed shorts are a perfect transition piece, something you could totally rock now but also pair with tights and boots once the temperature drops. Pre-order now at Intermix for $90 - so affordable!!!

I recently learned about IGIGI from Style It, and was tres impressed with how fabulous the designer, Yuliya Raquel, made plus size fashion! Well made, feminine and super flattering, everything is surprisingly affordable as well, even her wedding gowns are all under $350! If you're a size 12 - 32, I definitely recommend checking it out!

Target has a new collaboration coming called Harlem Designers. One of them is Isabella Toledo, one of Michelle Obama's favorite designers! Well, it was supposed to launch August 1, but they sneakily made her available today!!! Go check it out now!

While I am very attracted to long slouchy shapes, I am a very petite 5'1 and it's important for me to try to keep things in proportion! Which is why I don't think I've worn this long, menswear style vest by Theory more than a handful of times. Since my shopping embargo I'm making myself remix outfits and shop my own closet, this was yesterday's result:I paired the vest with a great LOFT tank, my Baker's multi-chain necklace, my cropped khakis from Express and, since I love yellow and red together, my red Zara shoes that obviously are my most favorite purchase ever!I was pretty pleased with the overall look, though I do think it could be improved upon by wearing longer pants - the long vest and the cropped khakis weren't quite a perfect match, do you agree?The ring is from Forever 21.

Vintage is sucha good way to get affordable, totally unique pieces! I've been on the prowl for under $50 things I can binge on once my shopping embargo ends, and found this lovely lace print dress from the 60's. Sized 0-2 or XS, you can buy at Rusty Zipper for $40.

Thurs, July 29 - Mon, August 2Hours:Thu, July 29: 10am-9pmFri, July 30: 10am-9pmSat, July 31: 10am-9pmSun, August 1: 10am-7pmMon, August 2: 10am-9pm

If you live in the DC area you know this place is the hotness! And the Michael Kors and Joe's Jeans outlet stores open now open, ooo! In case you haven't been there, you can also check out Barneys New York, Burberry, J.Crew, Juicy Couture, Kenneth Cole,Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, Theory and more! I still have my very first pair of Barney's CO-OP red slides bought there at least either years ago!

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Hey, ponchos don't have sleeves, this is totally a hooded top! But I love the space dyed fabric, which has a similar feel to tie dye but is maybe a little less trendy (therefore less "over later!). Buy this Haute Hippie piece for the Last Call sale price of $167 at Neiman Marcus!

This leather skirt is amazing! I love the softness of it...the paperbag waist adds a drapey-ness to silhouette, and it doesn't have the usual shiny and stiff look of leather. Perfectly wearable to work. You know how much I love versatile pieces. $795 at Barneys.

Katie Holmes seems to be the lynch pin to all jean trends, remember how she cemeted the boyfriend jean? Well, she was recently out and about in a paired of flared jeans, so I fully expect that will be the next big thing!

Now, there IS a different between bootcut and flare jeans: Bootcut is usually a straight leg from waist until right below the knee, meaning it's a little roomier. Flare jeans are skinny until the flare, and the flare is usually a touch bigger. But really the look is super close, bootcut being just a bit more flattering to the average shape.

I found a bunch of different options, some so affordable that maybe I'll cheat on my skinnies a little!

I previously wrote about a camo print tote as a great way to incorporate the camo / military trend that's continuing on into fall into your wardrobe! Well, if you wanted something smaller, how about this Tory Burch mini bag, perfect for nights on the town! You can also detach the shoulder strap to make it a clutch, bonus! Buy at Bergdorf Goodman for $250.

These La Perla socks would totally change up the look of your basic pumps - so pretty! But they're a bit pricy, $91 in white or black at ASOS! Really, you could probably cut up some sheer hose, tie them around your ankles and get a very similar look for under $5.

Monday, July 26, 2010

It's always a good idea to supplement a wardrobe full of expensive, versatile pieces with affordable funky ones! These oversized hounds tooth print shorts fit the bill just perfectly, as they're just $30 at Akira.

One of the last things I bought before my shopping embargo was a pair of work boots! I've noticed a lot of editorials and store styling with them and was drawn to the look! But how to wear them...Continuing my torrid affair with socks, I wore a gray pair that peaked out the top. Since work boots cover your ankles and I fear my legs looking short I paired with a canvas mini-skirt I've owned forever. I needed some color so I threw on a purple LOFT tank, and then my Design History cardigan which always livens up an outfit :)I also got to wear my totally fabulous armor ring from ASOS, here's a small close-up shot:

I thought the look was great for a low-key night out at a slightly dive bar, but does anyone have any thoughts on how I could make them work appropriate? Or is it simple impossible??? The only thing I could think of was maybe pairing them with a long, boho-esque skirt...

And how do you like my hair?? Usually pretty straight, I got a three barrel curling iron to make pretty waves - really happy with the results!

Friday, July 23, 2010

I feel like I posted a shawl collar blazer maybe a year or two and ago forgot how cute it looked! This one comes in grey or black at Banana Republic and will cost you $130. There are also tall & petite sizes available, and the grey has a matching skirt! Perfect for recent graduates entering the work force - affordable, totally polished but not generic!

This Marni ring immediately caught my eye, but sold out before I could post it! Well, you're in luck because someone returned a size small and it could be yours for a 70% off price $89! Buy at theOutnet.com.

And now it's time for you does of "Ooo, so cool but there's no way in hell I'd be able to afford that" by Vyqué! Today it's these ah-MAZ-ing architectural heels by United Nude. A total standout item, you can buy at Oak NYC for (sigh) $498.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Ohh, what a great idea, why do I not already own these?!?! I wonder how well they actually work, does it smell nice when you're actually painting your nails? Because then I could get away with a manicure at my desk! I do wish Jolly Rancher came in more colors, because that's my favorite candy scent ever! Buy at Fred Flare for $5 each.

I've been in the mood for a satchel-like purse, something kinda similar to a messenger bag. This one is fab, love the buckle hardware detailing! All it lacks is a crossbody strap, ah well. Buy at Macy*s for the sale price of $243.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Interesting.... would you play? I admit I play Sorority Life mostly to collect cute clothes and whatnot (I have a Mara Hoffman dress, Jasun Wu heels, etc, etc, etc) so this would probably be right up my ally... ok I just signed up, be my friend!! :O

UPDATE: Dear god, I won;t be getting anything done for the rest of the day! Must my boutique all kinds of pretty!

It is waaay too hot to be thinking about boots, I know, but these are just fabulous. I love the color. I love that it's uniquely feminine and hobo, and is something that will work uptown and downtown. Only $890 at Net-a-Porter.